the number of over-weight and obese nurses continues to increase

[amygarside]

Hi guys, I just would like to know your ideas about this - the number of over-weighed and obese nurses continues to increase. I've read articles about this and I just would like to know your views about this. thanks!

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Nurses are over-weighed?

So, stop weighing them. :)

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Nurses are over-weighed?

So, stop weighing them. :)

I agree. I'm tired of being over weighed.. :)

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Hi guys, I just would like to know your ideas about this - the number of over-weighed and obese nurses continues to increase. I've read articles about this and I just would like to know your views about this. thanks!

What is my view of overweight nurses? We would need more information. For instance: can the overweight nurse perform the duties of his/her position? If so, then the nurse's weight is none of my business.

[silentRN]

Well, Mexico has us beat now.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

The number of overweight nurses continues to increase because the number of overweight Americans is increasing. I don't think it's an issue unique to nursing.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

There are plenty of overweight/obese nurses in American society. . .

There are also many overweight physicians, engineers, restaurant managers, teachers, social workers, convenience store cashiers, bellhops, research assistants, WalMart stock clerks, paramedics, receptionists, HR directors, factory workers, mechanics, counselors, housewives, childcare workers, computer scientists, etc.

Two-thirds of the American population is either overweight or obese. In other words, the vast majority of everyday folks in the US weigh more than what is recommended for good health. Nurses are no different than the rest of the population, so there's no reason to place us on the plank IMHO.

[monkeybug]

I agree with those that are pointing out that all Americans are increasingly overweight. For nurses, though, it's not surprising us. Many of us have no opportunity to eat healthy meals. Often a meal ends up being a soft drink and a candy bar because of time constraints. Or maybe, for the healthier folks, a bottle of water and granola bar. Stress contributes to obesity, and I think stress levels are increasing in nursing, too.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

I wonder if there is an association between lower class workers, and obesity?

Most certainly one can see that nursing is a big contributor- no meal breaks, over eating after shift from you- know where ends,stress-- cortisol release, lack of sleep d/t stress, shift changing , etc.

need I go on?

[DemosthenesRN]

I have wondered how many nursing programs require nutrition coursework, and how much is taught. Shortly before I pursued nursing, I considered becoming a dietician and took a few nutrition courses. When I went into nursing, I found that my program barely scratched the surface and I wondered at the time how much substance my classmates were actually able to get out of the topic. I have seen in multiple hospitals that high calorie dessert foods are frequently provided for nurses by nurses, doctors, and patients. Cookies, donuts, or cakes seem to appear every week.

[LisalaRN99, BSN, RN]

JR, who are you referring to as "lower class workers"?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have wondered how many nursing programs require nutrition coursework, and how much is taught.

Virtually all of the schools of nursing in my area require an introductory nutrition course (Nutrition 101) as a prerequisite prior to admission into the program.